Vivarail set for UK trials of modular hydrogen train

The UK train designer is developing a modular hydrogen train consisting of fuel cells, tanks, and two lithium ion batteries.

The test train, which is currently in production, is due to begin operating on the company’s track by the end of 2019, according to Vivarail’s Alice Gillman.

“We’re expecting that by the end of the year we’ll be clocking up the miles and gauging its performance,” said Gillman.

The train will be made up of two driving motor cars powered by the batteries, developed by German specialist Hoppecke, and two carriages housing the fuel cells and hydrogen tanks.

The Vivarail Class 230s will store the fuel cells and tanks in a robust casing beneath the floor, meaning there will be no reduction in space within the carriages for passenger seating.

The train, which has a range of 650 miles, also uses regenerative braking to recover energy as it slows.

The vehicle’s modular design means trains fitted with diesel generators could ultimately be converted into hydrogen vehicles, said Gillman.